Misuzulu Kazweritini. Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
hairMissZulu ka Zwelithini called for unity between KwaZulu-Natal's political parties to address the province's high levels of crime, sexual violence and unemployment.
In his opening address to the KwaZulu-Natal legislature on Tuesday, the King called on Premier Thami Ntuli and his unity government to allow the province's traditional leaders to play a greater role in the province's political and economic life.
The King traditionally opens Parliament officially the day before the Premier's State of the Province address, which is due to be delivered by Ntuli in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.
MissZulu told parliament it was “important” to “make it clear” that he was the legally recognised monarch of both the Zulu nation and the state.
“I point this out because there is a temptation to see the crown as merely a ceremonial artefact, taken out occasionally and only for certain national ceremonies,” he said.
“The crowned head and Ubukosi [the institution of traditional leadership]We are ready to economically revitalize the state through tourism, cooperative governance and fighting crime.
“I urge you to give Ubukoshi his appropriate role and not resist the changes that the times demand.”
The king is at odds with the Ingonyama Trust Board, which was set up to manage three million hectares of traditional land on his behalf, and wants it dissolved and replaced with one in which the amakhosi play a greater role.
Although he chairs the board and amakhosi appointed in consultation with the Council of Traditional Leaders serve on the board, Misuzuri believes they should be given wider representation and benefits.
On Tuesday, the King said South Africa had made progress after 30 years of democracy but that “I would be misleading Parliament if I said all was well in this democracy”.
Poverty, hunger, and high rates of gun violence and gender-based violence continue to plague the state.
“Even as I stand here today, many Amakhosi, Izinduna and community members are losing their lives to guns. The important thing is, behind the gunmen there are always instigators,” he said.
“Gun violence has left many families without their breadwinners and in poverty. Our daughters, sisters and wives are not free in this democracy. They are being abused and killed. As your Prince, this deeply troubles me, and it should trouble you too.”
MissZulu welcomed the crime summit convened by Ntuli and commended the provincial police commissioner, Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, for his work in tackling violent crime.
“I have heard that a crime summit is being planned. This is an important step in the right direction. I would like all traditional institutions to participate in this summit,” he said.
“The issue of safety and security in rural areas must be on the agenda and we also urge that the education sector be included on the agenda as violence is rampant in schools, putting students and teachers at risk.”
The King told provincial MPs from all parties that he expected them to work for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Ntuli heads a coalition government made up of the Inkatha Freedom Party, ANC, Democratic Alliance and National Freedom Party, with the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, the largest in parliament, acting as the official opposition.
Relations between the parties in parliament are uneasy, with the MK party challenging the appointment of the committee chair in court and walking out of parliament in protest after losing a race for the powerful post.
“The people who elected you did so because they had confidence in you. Remember, you are now a member of this parliament and you represent all of us,” the King said. “You have
“Five years is not a long period of time. Work hard and don't take a break. Also, continue to hone yourself so that your skills are further improved by the end of your term.”
He said the government's plans would be in vain “unless we change our approach.”
“As residents of KwaZulu-Natal, we are a family, a family of many shades. Our diversity is not an obstacle; it is an opportunity to know, understand, teach and embrace each other,” the King said.
“Let us unite in our diversity and work together for the betterment of our province. As residents of KwaZulu-Natal, we must not just tolerate each other, but embrace each other. We must accept that although we are different, we are a family.”
Miszur added that he is ready to support this and other efforts to foster a sense of unity among the people of the state.
